The ecological footprint and carrying capacity of Guangdong province from 1997 to 2006 were analyzed by using the modified ecological footprint model.The results indicated that the average ecological deficit per person in Guangdong province showed "W"-shape change during 1997～2006,namely decline during 1997～1998,increase during 1999～2001,decrease from 2002 to 2003,and then continuous rising from 2004 to 2006.Generally speaking,the economic and social development of Guangdong province during 1997～2006 is on the basis of the overdraft of natural ecology,thus it is not sustainable.